CRI Science: Climate Change   

This course is Part I of a two-part sequence on global warming. Part I provides an overview of historical climate change, examining the impact of fossil fuel burning on the environment. It explores the link between historical fossil fuel consumption (based on tax records), greenhouse gas emissions, and subsequent climate changes. The analysis includes regional impacts on the Pacific Northwest, such as changes in summer drought patterns, increased rain intensity, and the rise of wildfires, landslides, and heat waves. Additionally, it explores global consequences, including impacts on food production, water resources, and the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events like droughts, hurricanes, and floods. Part II is planned for a future quarter and will describe what can be done to stop global warming.